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The Michigan Sandbox Party is a non-partisan movement created to educate and remind leaders across the state – voters, candidates and lawmakers alike – that infants and young children, 0-5, are the most important resource we have.

Our role: To raise public awareness and advocacy for the social, emotional and economic benefits of investing in young children. In doing so, we strive to unify and empower citizens to support policy changes that improve children’s lives and revitalize Michigan’s economy.

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We need the Sandbox Party because good intentions aren’t enough to fix critical problems facing our young children and families today. We need a strong voice and smart leadership to help Michigan’s children, including the most vulnerable, get a great start in school and in life with quality child care and early learning. Here’s why:

• Most learning happens from 0-3, well before kindergarten, yet we fail to provide a comprehensive, focused effort that enables all pre-school children to become school-ready.
• Nearly one in three of the state’s children aren’t physically, emotionally and educationally capable to start kindergarten, according to the Michigan Kindergarten Teacher Opinion Survey. And sadly, research shows that when you start behind, you tend to stay behind.
• We also know that child poverty is rising, affecting the lives of nearly one in three Michigan children! Overall, the well-being of Michigan’s children placed 30th among the 50 states – its worst ranking in more than a decade. (Kids Count in Michigan Data Book 2009)

Newly elected Gov. Rick Snyder, addressing the state Legislature in January, acknowledged that investing in early childhood programs -- child care, early education and learning, physical and psychological health, parenting and family support – are critical to Michigan’s future.

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Whether you are a parent, teacher, child care provider, business person, other professional or lawmaker, you all have a stake in Michigan’s children. 

Our state’s economic future and stability, and the safety and strength of  the communities in which we live, depends on children entering school prepared to learn, grow, and become successful future members of the 21st century work force. 

In the language of business, investing in children brings “a high rate of return.” Studies show that $1 invested in high-quality early childhood programs can save society at least $4 in costs associated with more prisons, more police and prosecution, more remedial programs, and higher health-care costs.

Indeed, experts in the field of economic development have examined the economic impact of investing in programs and services for young children with surprising results. Their work finds that these future workers not only grow up with improved job prospects and better wages, but the communities they live in benefit, too, with improved economic development prospects.

We believe that our children, our people, are our state’s greatest asset. Children who grow up strong, healthy and well-educated contribute best to building up our communities and ultimately the state.

And when our children succeed, we all win. 

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This is a citizen-led movement made up of people from all across the state. Certainly, it draws from parents and advocates but it doesn't stop there. Business people, government reformers, civic leaders, ordinary citizens are joining this historic movement. 

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No, we do not. There are plenty of organizations that endorse candidates and have their own reasons for doing so. The Sandbox Party is a movement that reaches out to people of all political persuasions and does not believe it's necessary or valuable to "pick sides."

We believe there should be only one side -- the side that stands up for young children and for building a strong future for Michigan.

We do pledge, however, to raise issues,highlight candidate responses, and point out political track records on matters affecting early childhood issues. Informed voters make informed decisions, and that is vital for Michigan.

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The Michigan Sandbox Party is paid for through private donations. 

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Scroll through our website to find news articles, research documents, and ways to get involved!  www.michigansandboxparty.org.